Architectural Engineering Design Services by NY Engineers

Architectural engineering deals with the technical aspects of buildings and for that reason it is also known as building engineering. To be functional, a building must have structural, mechanical and electrical systems that are properly designed and installed. These systems make built environments safe and suitable for human occupancy.

Architectural engineers should not be confused with architects, who focus more on the aesthetic aspects of buildings. In simple terms, architects design the appearance and layout of buildings, while architectural engineers apply technical principles to make the project feasible. However, note that architects also receive technical training, and there is some overlap between both roles; many professional architects are also architectural engineers.

How Architectural Engineering Makes a Building Functional

After the project architect has worked with the client to define the appearance and layout, the next step is applying engineering principles to make the building functional and safe for occupancy. Architectural engineers work with many technical areas, with the collaboration of specialist engineers from each field:

Structural design ensures the building can support its own weight, plus the weight of all the equipment and occupants inside. The structure must also withstand external loads caused by wind, and occasional extreme events such as tropical storms or seismic activity.

Mechanical design encompasses a wide range of building systems. These include space heating, domestic hot water, air conditioning, ventilation and fire protection.

Electrical design covers lighting systems, appliances, and all other building equipment that operates with electricity. Note that many types of mechanical equipment require a voltage input, requiring collaboration between the mechanical and electrical design teams.

Plumbing design ensures a constant supply of potable water for the building, while collecting and removing wastewater from all plumbing fixtures.

Architectural engineers collaborate with clients and architects to determine the operating requirements of these building systems, and then work with specialist engineers to deliver the best solution. Code compliance must be ensured throughout the entire process, considering there are national regulations, but also standards that apply for specific states or cities.

Projects are subject to a reviewing process with local authorities, and they are only approved for construction if they meet all the applicable codes. However, this is not an issue if you are working with qualified design professionals.

Architectural Engineering Can Speed Up Project Completion

Failure to meet building codes is a common cause of delays, and clients benefit from completing their projects as soon as possible. This is especially true when developing residential or commercial spaces for rent since the building can start receiving tenants and charging rent sooner.

Errors during the design phase do not have a high material cost because there is no physical work to modify, but they extend the project approval process.

Errors during construction are more expensive to correct since the contractor must dismount equipment or demolish actual work.

With architectural engineering services from qualified professionals, you can ensure all the underlying system in your building are well designed and code-compliant. The benefits start with the design and construction phase since you can speed up project approval.